This air fryer green bean casserole recipe is my favorite way to make a yummy side dish that isn’t too heavy on the stomach. You still get that creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping, and the air fryer is a lot quicker and gives the top the perfect finish.
If you love holiday sides or something quick to make, this one deserves a spot next to mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and roasted turkey for Thanksgiving, or even any time of the year. I also make this easy recipe during the year when I’m craving something delicious but don’t want to have to use the oven.
Try This Classic Comfort Side
I love this recipe because it has everything I want in a green bean casserole: tender beans, creamy sauce, and plenty of crunchiness and golden brown on top.
It’s also a great small-batch recipe when you’re cooking for less people and don’t want a huge baking dish to deal with. It doesn't have to just be a holiday meal you make for Christmas dinner, either; you can cook this anytime you like.
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Video Instructions
Why You’ll Love It
- Faster than the oven: I love that this is so much faster than the traditional baked version, and the prep time is minimal.
- Perfect Texture: The beans come out tender with a little bite, and the topping becomes crispy and golden.
- Classic flavor: It has all the familiar flavors of the casserole most of us grew up with, and you can even add some bacon if you want it to taste a bit different.
- Perfect for smaller gatherings: This makes just enough for a family dinner without leaving you with a heap of leftovers you need space to store in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- Green beans: I always use fresh green beans when possible because they keep a better texture and still have a nice snap.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This creates the creamy base. A little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce gives you something a bit extra.
- Milk: This loosens the sauce just enough without making it watery.
- Cheddar cheese: Optional, but I love the extra richness it adds, so I always add some to mine. If you like, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over instead.
- Crispy fried onions: This is what gives the casserole its perfect crunch.
How to Make Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
1. Toss green beans with olive oil and a pinch of baking soda. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 - 6 minutes until slightly tender.
2. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
3. Add the partially cooked green beans to the sauce and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a shallow air fryer-safe dish. Air fry in an air fryer basket at 375°F (190°C) for 8 - 10 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble around the edges.
5. In a bowl, combine shredded cheese and crispy onions. Sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Air fry for another 3 - 4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Recipe Tips
- I always use a shallow dish rather than a deep casserole dish. It helps the sauce thicken properly and keeps the topping crisp.
- If the casserole seems a little loose when it comes out, let it sit for a few minutes. It does get a bit thicker as it cools down.
- Fresh green beans give the best end result texture-wise, but frozen beans work well, too, once they have been thawed.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Roast chicken
- Turkey
- Mashed potatoes
FAQs
Yes, and I often do. I assemble everything except the topping, refrigerate it, and then add the onions and cheese just before air frying.
Absolutely. Traditional green bean casserole usually doesn’t include cheese, and it’s still delicious without it.
Yes, but skip the initial air frying step since canned beans are already very soft. Personally, I prefer fresh beans because they hold their shape much better.
Rate This Recipe
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
The Base
- 3 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A pinch of baking soda
The Cream
- ½ cup cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black peppe
Gratin Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Toss green beans with olive oil and a pinch of baking soda. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5 - 6 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Add the partially cooked green beans to the sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a shallow air fryer-safe dish. Air fry in air fryer basket at 375°F (190°C) for 8 - 10 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble around the edges.
- In a bowl, combine shredded cheese and crispy onions. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Air fry for another 3 - 4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry at 375°F for 15 - 18 minutes total.Taste & Texture
Creamy, savory green beans topped with a crispy, golden onion crust.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Not recommended.
- Reheat: Air fry briefly until hot and crisp again.
Serving Recommendations
I love serving this alongside roast chicken or turkey. It’s one of those side dishes that always disappears quickly.Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Use homemade mushroom sauce.
- Add Parmesan to the topping.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let cool before storing.
- Keep refrigerated.
- Reheat uncovered to restore crispness.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture.
- Don’t add the onions until the end.
- Let the casserole rest for 3 minutes before serving.
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